Overview

The alkalinity-bearing component of a two-part method for dosing calcium and carbonates (the substances largely responsible for increasing alkalinity (”buffering capacity”)) in the same ratio as that found in natural seawater.

Simplifies calcium and alkalinity maintenance; economical for particularly large systems.

Contains no phosphate, silicate, or organic material.

Formulated by a marine scientist.

Technical Background

It is recommended that calcium and magnesium concentrations in the aquarium system be determined by using accurate test kits prior to supplementing. Do not add this product directly to an aquarium containing live animals without first diluting in water as directed. Technical Background: This method of calcium and carbonate supplementation is advantageous to hobbyists interested in a simple and effective means of providing elements and molecules required for skeletal growth of reef-building organisms such as corals, clams, and their allies. The magnesium concentration in all reef aquaria should be adjusted to, and maintained between, 1,290 - 1,320 ppm before using these supplements (alone or together) or other calcium and alkalinity products. Doing so helps prevent unwanted precipitation between calcium and carbonate ions. Additional information on this subject is available on our website and on the label for Brightwell Aquatics MAGNESION. The rate at which calcium and carbonates are extracted from the water is determined by the stocking density of reef-building livestock, type of lighting, and other conditions; therefore, each aquarium will have different requirements for the rate of supplementation.

Instructions and Guidelines

Basic Instructions and Guidelines: Dissolve 20 grams per 8-fl. oz. of purified water in a clean mixing container and stir to dissolve; dose the resultant solution to the aquarium system as required to maintain the alkalinity within a range of 7 - 12 dKH. Up to 60 g per 8-fl. oz. of purified water may be mixed at once.

Advanced Instructions and Guidelines: Create a stock solution by dissolving 60 grams of REEF CDE B-P in 8-fl. oz. of purified fresh water; each ml of the solution will increase the alkalinity in 1 US-gallon (3.785 L) of water by ~2.1 dKH (0.75 meq/L). [Reference: Each g of REEF CDE B-P will increase the alkalinity in 1 US-gallon (3.785 L) of water by ~8.3 dKH (3 meq/L).] If initial alkalinity in the aquarium is below 7 dKH (2.5 meq/L), add stock sol’n at maximum rate of 10 ml per 20 US-gallons daily until desired alkalinity is attained, then dose daily or weekly as needed (see below). Maintain alkalinity within a range of +/-1 dKH. Once desired alkalinity has been acquired, measure the alkalinity at the same time each day over a one- to two-week period to determine the required rate of alkalinity depletion. To determine daily dosing rate: estimate volume of water in entire aquarium system (US-gal.); divide the daily decrease in alkalinity by 2.1 (when reading dKH); multiply this number by volume of water in system to obtain daily ml of stock sol’n required to maintain stable alkalinity. Maximum strength of the stock sol’n should not exceed 60 g RCBP per 8-fl. oz. purified water. Dose system as required to maintain desired calcium (using REEF CDE A-P) and alkalinity values. Do not mix solutions together; this will cause the active components to precipitate and become ineffective. May be mixed individually in large containers and dosed with a drip- or automated-dosing system; ensure that solutions are entering the system in different areas to prevent precipitation. If adding manually, allow at least 60 seconds to pass between dosing REEF CDE A-P and B-P solutions.

Caution: Contains carbonate and bicarbonate salts; harmful if swallowed. If swallowed: give water, get medical attention. May cause eye or skin irritation. If in eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes, get medical attention. If on skin, wash thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children. Not for human consumption.